OKC Standard

Senators James Lankford of Oklahoma and Katie Britt of Alabama have introduced the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress. The legislation, backed by the entire Senate Republican Conference, was initially brought to the House of Representatives by Congressman Mike Collins from Georgia.

Allyson and John Phillips, mother and stepfather of Laken Riley, expressed their support for the bill: “It’s impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024. Laken’s life was abundantly and exceptionally full of promise. She was a beautiful, shining beacon in the life of everyone who knew her." They continued by emphasizing that "the Laken Riley Act has our full support because it would help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced."

Senator Lankford highlighted concerns about border policies: “Laken Riley’s painful story is an example of what could happen in any neighborhood across Oklahoma, because of an open border. Open border policies welcome criminals to roam our streets which must not happen under any administration.”

Senator Britt also spoke on the matter: “Last year, Laken Riley was stolen from this earth—from her family and friends and from achieving her dreams—by a brutal, heartless killer... The American people did not just deliver a mandate on November 5th; they delivered a verdict.” She emphasized Congress's responsibility to prevent such tragedies.

The proposed act requires US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens involved in theft-related offenses. It mandates their detention until removal from the United States to prevent reoffending. Additionally, it allows states to take civil actions against federal officials who do not enforce immigration laws.

In its previous iteration during the 118th Congress, the bill passed in the House with bipartisan support but faced opposition in the Senate where Democrats blocked its progress.